Gear

For those of you curious about what gear is necessary to ride such a long and remote route, this page is for you. As you peruse my assortment of outdoor sundries, keep in mind that I have developed particular tastes regarding weight from years as a backpacker; lighter is better for me. Especially as I manage joint problems in my knees and hips (and neck), carrying less I am freer to go farther. The following list is accordingly influenced, though it is worth noting that I am by no means in the extreme margins of the lightweight practitioners.

Another factor influencing my choices is a general preference for gear that is used, cheap, and durable for environmental reasons. If I can get it second hand and reduce the impact my trips have, then I am happy and I saved money. We all win. I’ll note below such items.

Clothing:
3 pairs underwear
3 pairs thin socks
1 pair thick socks
Wool t-shirt
Long-sleeved button down shirt [A cast-off from a friend three years ago.]
2 pairs shorts [Thrift store buys: one pair of trouser-like, stylish black dress shorts, one pair of exercise shorts. I don’t like chamois-lined spandex for a number of reason, not least of which because they are harder to wash by hand.]
Wool long underwear top [cast off from a friend]
Long underwear bottoms [polyester, from a thrift store]
Rain pants and jacket
Insulated jacket
Wind jacket [bicycle jacket from a thrift store]
Warm hat [homemade]
Balaclava
Riding gloves, padded and ergonomic to reduce damage to ulnar nerve in the hands.
Warm fleece gloves
Running shoes

Cooking:
1.5L Titanium pot with lid
Old, sand filled pop can stove that I carried on the PCT [homemade]
Pot stand made out of hanger [homemade]
Windscreen made out of foil
Rubber pot scraper
Lighter
Fuel (denatured alcohol) in a disposable plastic water bottle [fished from a recycling bin] carried in bottle cage
A small collection of tiny bottles containing soy sauce, olive oil, and nutritional yeast.
Several large, odor proof Aloksak bags, which I’ve had tremendous success with in the past.
A fork
Water filter (MSR Miniworks)
Two 1L Stainless steel water bottles
One bike bottle in bottle cage

Papers and related:
A reading book, which will vary as the trip progresses
Paper for writing and drawing
Pen
Maps (the seven Adventure Cycling Association maps detailing the route, each to be mailed home as it’s corresponding section is completed)
The standard guidebook written by McCoy
Compass